May 26, 2020 There are three ways you can set up a VPN on your Apple Mac: either through a dedicated VPN app from a trustworthy provider, via the OpenVPN client, or via your Mac’s own built-in network settings. Those techniques get progressively harder, but don’t worry – all the advice you need is right here on this page. We’ll guide you through it step-by-step with plenty of helpful screenshots. The VPN software consist of various protocols like internet protocol which will protect you from online data stealing. These internet security patches are developed by Internet Engineering Task Force. The VPN software consist IPv6 which consists of two or three layer security.
Apr 01, 2020 Norton 360 Deluxe (for Mac) is also a suite, and its features include a no-limits VPN. These three are our Editors' Choice winners for Mac antivirus protection. However, these aren't the only choices. But there exist a few VPN services that do support macOS (see VPN software for Mac). Follow the below steps carefully to install VPN on your Mac: Register and purchase a VPN service that supports Mac (VPN software for Mac ) Download the Mac-supported version software; Install the software on your Mac and follow the installing instructions.
We have already established that there is no such thing as an invulnerable Mac. macOS is as vulnerable to malware as other operating systems, such as Windows and Linux. In fact, there have been several malware attacks that specifically targeted Macs. So, if you think that you’re immune to viruses and malware just because you’re using a Mac, think again.
One of the most common types of malware running rampant in the digital world is the adware-type of malware. And the MainReady virus is part of this category of malware. This malware has caused no small amount of annoyance, particularly to Mac users.
What is the MainReady Virus on Mac?
Main Ready is a malicious app that initiates various changes on the infected computers in order to show intrusive ads on Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or other web browsers. This malware actually belongs to a large family of potentially unwanted applications (PUA) specially designed for macOS/Mac OS X systems. It is being distributed using massive campaigns involving fake Flash Player installers. Aside from clicking these fake ads, the MainReady virus can also be installed on your device when you download freeware from unapproved sources or when you install software cracks or pirated applications.
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MainReady is similar to old threats, such as IdeaShared, PhaseSearch, FocusProvide, and other previously released clones. These dodgy apps are characterized by an icon with a magnifying glass symbol inside it. The color of the icon may vary, though – some are green while others are bluish. Although this might be a trivial feature, it should raise a red flag when you see this icon.
Once installed, the Main Ready malware can then install various web browser extensions that are difficult to get rid of. For one, this malware changes the search engine to Safe Finder while redirecting searches to the a.akamaihd.net website. Because of these changes, users are then bombarded by a variety of sponsored ads in search results. Intrusive ads also appear on all visited websites. What’s more scary is that the MainReady virus is capable of reading all information typed on your web browser, including credit card details and other sensitive information. This puts the affected Mac user at an enormous privacy risk.
What Does the MainReady Virus Do?
Main Ready is generally distributed through software bundles that the user downloaded from third-party websites or through fake Flash Player update notifications. Once the PUP has been installed, the unwanted app initiates changes within the system that sets up Safe Finder or another malicious website as the main search engine. This allows the malware to display tons of text links and ads when browsing through the internet.
Other system changes include ad injection into all URLs that the browser visits, where the user sees coupons, pop-ups, offers, deals, banners, and other intrusive ads even on websites that are irrelevant to these ads. In some instances, these ads can be so nasty as to redirect the user to sites showing fake virus or malware notifications. Scared about these potential threats, the victim ends up downloading more suspicious apps that are totally useless and the user is constantly prompted by to buy a full license for the software.
Ultimately, the main risk of the MainReady malware lies in its ability to read whatever information is entered on web pages. When you install the malicious app, it grants itself permissions that should never be given to it in the first place. And if you read every step of the installation process, you should be able to pick up on this shady information.
Here is the permission request that users should watch out for:
MainReady 1.0
Permissions for “Main Ready”:
Webpage contents
Can read sensitive information from webpages, including passwords, phone numbers, and credit cards on all webpages
Can read sensitive information from webpages, including passwords, phone numbers, and credit cards on all webpages
Browsing history
Can see when you visit all webpages
Can see when you visit all webpages
Such permissions are fishy and extremely dangerous when granted to a malicious program like MainReady. Users usually don’t have the option to grant these permissions because these are granted during the installation of the bundled program. So most users are not even aware that malware has already been installed, thinking that it is a part of the original program they are installing in the first place. The users don’t even know that the malware is already harvesting his or her credit card details, personal information, and other sensitive data, leading to financial loss or identity theft.
And even if you are able to catch the app doing something malicious red-handed, you won’t be able to immediately remove it from your computer because the Uninstall button is usually grayed out. Any move to try and revert back the changes done to your web browser settings will be useless because these changes are pre-set. So you need to make sure that all components of this malware have been deleted completely to avoid future problems.
How to Remove MainReady Virus on Mac
As mentioned above, deleting the MainReady virus requires a thorough cleanup of your computer so that no stray infected files are left to regenerate the virus. If you think that your Mac has been infected by this malware, you need to remove it as soon as possible before it gets any worse.
Here are the steps on the MainReady Mac virus removal process you need to take:
Step 1: Quit All Processes Related to the MainReady Mac Virus.
The first thing you need to do is stop the processes related to this malware because you won’t be able to uninstall it or delete its files while these processes are running. To quit these processes, go to Finder > Go > Utilities, then double-click on Activity Monitor. In the Activity Monitor window, look for the processes initiated by this malware, possibly under the same name. Double-click on the suspicious process, then click the Quit button. Do these steps for all suspicious processes that you see.
Step 2: Uninstall MainReady From Your Mac.
- Under Finder, navigate to Go > Applications. This should give you a list of all the apps currently installed on your Mac.
- Look for MainReady and drag the app icon to the Trash.
- If you’re having trouble uninstalling MainReady, you might need to do this in a Safe Mode environment.
- Don’t forget to empty your Trash.
Step 3: Scan Your Computer Using Your Security Software.
The next step is to run a scan using your anti-malware program to check if there are other threats that might harm your computer. You can also use this app to thoroughly clean up all the leftover files of the MainReady virus.
Step 4: Undo the Changes to Your Browser.
With the malware gone from your computer, you can reset your browser to its previous settings. Follow the instructions below according to the browser you are using.
Uninstall any add-ons, plug-ins, or extensions that were installed by the malware. For major browsers, you just need to click the browser menu and go to Add-ons > Extensions. From there, you can remove the suspicious add-ons from your browser.
Change the homepage back to your preferred website by typing in the URL in the homepage section of the browser settings. Do the same for the default search engine and the new tab page.
Reset your browser to restore their settings to their default value. You just need to find the Reset or Restore button in the browser settings.
Summary
Dealing with MainReady can be quite a headache because it works differently from the other types of adware. It is more malicious because of the extra spying function that is added to its code. If you think that your device has been infected with MainReady, closely follow the removal guide above to make sure that it is completely erased from your system.
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If you’re running into errors and your system is suspiciously slow, your computer needs some maintenance work. Download Outbyte PC Repair for Windows, Outbyte Antivirus for Windows, or Outbyte MacRepair for macOS to resolve common computer performance issues. Fix computer troubles by downloading the compatible tool for your device.How to avoid redirects to apple-vpn-pro[.]com on Apple devices
What is apple-vpn-pro[.]com?
apple-vpn-pro[.]com is a deceptive website that displays fake virus messages and encourages visitors to remove the 'detected viruses' with a specific application. At time of the research, apple-vpn-pro[.]com promoted the Web Security Checker application. Do not trust sites such as apple-vpn-pro[.]com or apps that are advertised through them. Note that apple-vpn-pro[.]com mostly targets iPad and iPhone users, however, Mac users are also being targeted. In any case, most people arrive at apple-vpn-pro[.]com unintentionally - they are usually redirected to websites of this type by potentially unwanted apps (PUAs) installed on their browsers or devices.
At first, apple-vpn-pro[.]com displays a pop-up window, a notification about 39 detected viruses that will supposedly corrupt the SIM card, damage contacts, photos, apps, and other data. The background page states that these viruses should be removed immediately, otherwise they will cause serious damage. To remove them, visitors are encouraged to tap or click the 'Repair Now' button, which leads to a download page of Web Security Checker. The download page is an official App Store website, and thus it is likely that Web Security Checker is a legitimate application. In fact, software that is advertised through deceptive websites such as apple-vpn-pro[.]com should not be trusted.
Browsers are generally forced to open these dubious sites by PUAs installed on the browser or operating system. These apps usually display unwanted, intrusive advertisements and collect details relating to users. Typically, they display coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups, and so on. When clicked, the ads open untrustworthy, potentially malicious websites or cause download/installation of unwanted applications. They also gather details such as users' IP addresses, geolocations, URLs of visited websites, entered search queries, and other information that might include sensitive details. Developers share the data with third parties (possibly cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue.
Name | apple-vpn-pro.com pop-up |
Threat Type | Mac malware, Mac virus. |
Fake Claim | According to this website, the user's Apple device is infected with a number of viruses. |
Serving IP Address | 157.230.152.172 |
Detection Names | BitDefender (Malware), CyRadar (Malicious), Sophos AV (Malicious), Spamhaus (Phishing), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
Symptoms | Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads. |
Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available. |
apple-vpn-pro[.]com is very similar to safari-protection[.]com, thevpnsafety[.]com, safetyvpn[.]net, and many other websites of this type. Most trick people into installing apps (often dubious) that supposedly remove detected viruses, fix errors, etc. Do not download apps from deceptive pages or trust information displayed on them. All PUAs are very similar - developers advertise them as useful, legitimate, and so on, however, after installation, they do not operate as promised and simply put users at risk of identity theft, problems with privacy, browsing safety, and other issues.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Generally, people do not download and/or install unwanted apps intentionally. They cause this by clicking deceptive ads or when they download or install other programs without checking the set-ups. Developers commonly distribute unwanted apps by including them in the download or installation set-ups of other software - offers to download or install additional applications are usually hidden in settings such as 'Custom', 'Advanced', and so on. Unfortunately, not all people check these settings and leave them unchanged. In doing so, they unintentionally allow PUAs to be downloaded or installed with regular software by default.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
Programs and files should be downloaded from official websites and via direct download links. Other sources such as unofficial pages, Peer-to-Peer networks (torrent clients, eMule, etc.), third party downloaders and other similar channels are often used to promote unwanted apps. Furthermore, it is important to check all settings/options that are available in various set-ups and deselect offers to download or install additional software. Intrusive ads that are displayed on untrustworthy, unofficial websites should not be clicked. They usually cause redirects to other dubious websites or unwanted downloads/installations. If the browser displays unwanted advertisements and/or opens untrustworthy websites, remove all unwanted, and dubious apps (extensions, plug-ins or add-ons) installed on it. Also apply this to programs of this type installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.
Screenshot of the apple-vpn-pro[.]com pop-up window:
Text in this pop-up:
ATTENTION - Viruses found!
Your Apple is severely damaged by (39) viruses! Soon your Apple SIM card will be corrupt and it will damage your contacts, photos, data, applications, etc.
Your Apple is severely damaged by (39) viruses! Soon your Apple SIM card will be corrupt and it will damage your contacts, photos, data, applications, etc.
Screenshot of the main apple-vpn-pro[.]com page:
Text presented in this page (mobile and desktop version):
Your iPhone is severly damaged by (39) viruses
We've noticed that your Apple is 28.1% Damaged by (30) harmful viruses from recent adult sites. It will soon corrupt your iPhone's SIM card and damage your contacts, photos, data, and applications.
4 minutes and 43 seconds
If you don't remove the virus now, it will cause serious damage to your iPhone. Here's what you need to do (step by step):
We've noticed that your Apple is 28.1% Damaged by (30) harmful viruses from recent adult sites. It will soon corrupt your iPhone's SIM card and damage your contacts, photos, data, and applications.
4 minutes and 43 seconds
If you don't remove the virus now, it will cause serious damage to your iPhone. Here's what you need to do (step by step):
Step 1: Tap and install Web Security for free on the App Store!
Step 2: Open the application to speed up and fix your browser now!
Repair Now
Repair Now
Appearance of apple-vpn-pro[.]com scam (GIF):
Web Security Checker download page:
Celtx free software. To enable pop-up blocking, fraudulent website warnings, and remove web browsing data in mobile Apple devices, follow these steps:
First, go to 'Settings', and then scroll down to find and tap 'Safari'.
Check if the 'Block Pop-ups' and 'Fraudulent Website Warning' toggles are enabled. If not, enable them immediately. Then, scroll down and tap 'Advanced'.
Tap 'Website Data' and then 'Remove All Website Data'.
Video presenting apple-vpn-pro[.]com scam website and showing how to clean web browsing data:
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for MacBy downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.
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Quick menu:
- STEP 1. Remove PUA related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Potentially unwanted applications removal:
Remove potentially unwanted applications from your 'Applications' folder:
Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select 'Applications'. In the applications folder, look for 'MPlayerX','NicePlayer', or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.
Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.
Remove apple-vpn-pro.com pop-up related files and folders:
Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder..
Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents folder:
In the Go to Folder.. bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents
In the “LaunchAgents” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/Application Support folder:
In the Go to Folder.. bar, type: /Library/Application Support
In the “Application Support Epson scanner software for mac. ” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, “MplayerX” or “NicePlayer”, and move these folders to the Trash.
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Check for adware-generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents folder:
In the Go to Folder bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents
In the “LaunchAgents” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.
Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons folder:
In the Go to Folder.. bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons
In the “LaunchDaemons” folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example “com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist”, “com.myppes.net-preferences.plist”, 'com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist”, “com.avickUpd.plist”, etc., and move them to the Trash.
Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:
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If you have followed all the steps in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure your system is not infected run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file double click combocleaner.dmg installer, in the opened window drag and drop Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates it's virus definition database and click 'Start Combo Scan' button.
Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays 'no threats found' - this means that you can continue with the removal guide, otherwise it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.
After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
apple-vpn-pro.com pop-up removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
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Remove apple-vpn-pro.com pop-up related Safari extensions:
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Open Safari browser, from the menu bar, select 'Safari' and click 'Preferences..'.
In the preferences window, select 'Extensions' and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the 'Uninstall' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Remove apple-vpn-pro.com pop-up related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:
Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the 'Open Menu' (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose 'Add-ons'.
Choose the 'Extensions' tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Remove' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Remove apple-vpn-pro.com pop-up related Google Chrome add-ons:
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Open Google Chrome and click the 'Chrome menu' (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose 'More Tools' and select 'Extensions'.
In the 'Extensions' window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Trash' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.